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West Ham 2-1 Chelsea
by Paul Donovan
at the Boleyn Ground
THIS was a game of two dramas, one on the pitch, the other a sideshow in the stands involving Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
On the pitch, the pulsating match took many twists and turns, including the sending off of Nemanja Matic in the 44th minute and a disallowed offside goal two minutes earlier.
These decisions caused the Chelsea bench to erupt. First assistant coach Silvino Loro was sent to the stands, then Mourinho was also sent off after making comments to referee Jonathan Moss at half-time.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic stressed that it was the sending off of Matic that had the biggest impact. “I feel for Mourinho, a lot of the decisions have gone against his team this season,” said Bilic, who nonetheless was delighted with the performance of his own team. “It is brilliant to win against the champions, unbelievable. There is nothing wrong with admitting we’re doing good, playing well and deserved to win,” said Bilic.
West Ham began the game brightly with Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lazini a constant threat. Payet signalled his intent in the 16th minute with a dipping free-kick that Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic did well to tip over the bar. But it was only to be a temporary respite, as a minute later Payet sent a corner over that fell to Mauro Zarate on the edge of the penalty area to drive home.
Chelsea came back with Willian seeing his free-kick pushed aside by West Ham keeper Adrian.
There then came the controversy with Matic — first booked for a foul on Cheikhou Kouyate, then sent off when he scythed down Diafra Sakho.
The disallowed Cesc Fabregas goal and a ball scrambled off the line by West Ham when some thought it was over helped fuel the off-field drama.
In the second half, Chelsea came back strongly, controlling the game. This dominance was rewarded 10 minutes into the half when a cross reached Gary Cahill, who powered home.
West Ham though were not to be denied, with full back Aaron Creswell crossing for Andy Carroll, rising at the near post to head home.
